Homecare –Cosmetic/esthetic
Instructions for homecare following a cosmetic procedure
Congratulations on your new smile! It's important that
you remember it will take some time to adjust to the feel
of your new bite. Here are some steps you can take to
make that adjustment comfortable for you, and to ensure
the success of your new smile:
• When your bite is altered, or the position of
your teeth is changed, it will feel different for a few
days. It takes several days for your brain to recognize
and adjust to the new conditions in your mouth. If you
detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call
us to schedule an adjustment.
• It's normal for your teeth to be a bit sensitive
to heat, cold and pressure. That's because we removed
some tooth structure, then placed new materials on your
teeth. The sensitivity should subside after several days;
if it doesn't, be sure to call our office.
• Your gums may also be sore and somewhat swollen
for several days. Rinsing three times a day with warm
salt water will relieve the pain and swelling.
Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in one cup
of warm water, gently swish, and then spit carefully.
• Mild, over-the-counter pain medication
should ease your discomfort during the adjustment period.
• Your speech might be affected slightly for the
first few days; this is normal, and is not a cause for
concern. You will quickly adapt to the new “feel”
in your mouth, and be speaking normally.
• Your brain might respond to the new size and shape
of your teeth by increasing salivary flow. This should
subside to normal flow within a week.
• If you participate in sports, ask us about creating
a custom mouthguard to protect your new smile.
• Remember, any food or substance that can crack,
chip, or in any way damage your natural teeth can do the
same to your new restorations. Avoid sticky candies and
hard substances like popcorn hulls, peanut brittle, fingernails,
pencils or ice.
• Tobacco products, whether smoked or chewed, will
quickly stain your teeth an unattractive yellowish brown.
• Red wine, cola, berries, coffee and tea can stain
your teeth as well as your new restorations, so brush
or rinse after consuming them.
• Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term
success of your new restorations, so brush and floss daily,
and see us on a regular basis for professional cleanings.
We’ll use the appropriate cleaning abrasives and
techniques for your specific cosmetic work.
Homecare –After Implant Surgery
How to care for your new implant
After implants have been placed, it’s important to
follow these recommendations during the healing period:
General care
To control minor bleeding after surgery, apply moderate
pressure with gauze pads or a clean, moist tea bag wrapped
in a gauze pad.
If you usually wear removable appliances, such as dentures
or partial dentures, we may advise you not to wear them
while the implant sites heal.
Medication and discomfort
Take antibiotics or other medications only as directed.
To reduce discomfort or swelling for several days after
surgery, use ice packs. It’s normal for your gums
to be sore and swollen for several days. Beginning 24
hours after surgery, rinse your mouth three times a day
for two weeks with warm salt water. Use about 1 teaspoon
of salt per glass of warm water. Swish very gently so
you don’t disturb the implant sites.
Chewing and eating
Avoid chewing until the numbness from the anesthetic has
completely worn off. If we placed any temporary restorations,
avoid chewing for at least one half-hour to allow the
temporary cement to set. Limit your diet to soft foods
like yogurt, cottage cheese, soups, softcooked eggs, and
ground meat for the first several months after surgery.
Do not chew hard, crusty foods. Also avoid very hot or
spicy foods until your gums are healed.
Homecare –Implant Restoration
How to care for the new restoration on your implant
After final restorations have been placed, it’s important
to follow these recommendations to ensure long-term success:
Chewing and eating
If we used an anesthetic during the procedure, avoid chewing
until the numbness has completely worn off.
Avoid hard chewing and grinding because these habits can
damage implants and their restorations. If this is a continuing
problem, we may need to adjust the restorations or have
you wear a nightguard.
Brushing and flossing
Brush and floss around the implants thoroughly but gently.
We may also recommend special floss, brushes, mouth rinses,
or other cleaning aids to keep the area free of bacteria.
Medication and discomfort
Take antibiotics or other medications only as directed.
To reduce any discomfort or swelling, rinse your mouth
three times a day with warm salt water. Use about 1 teaspoon
of salt per glass of warm water. It’s normal for
your gums to be sore and swollen for a few days.
About tobacco
Avoid using any tobacco products. Ideally, you should
quit altogether because using tobacco increases the risk
that your body will reject the implants.
When to call us
Call us if your restorations feel loose so that we can
tighten them.
Call our office if you have persistent discomfort or
if you have any other questions or concerns.
